Alberta
Alberta reports second COVID-19 death. Three Red Deer doctors test positive after working with dozens of patients. Outbreak at Calgary long-term care facility
From the Province of Alberta
Update 11: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (March 24 at 5:30 p.m.)
A second Albertan has died. 57 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. Total number of cases in the province is 358.
Aggressive public health measures continue to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Latest updates
- Cases have been identified in all zones across the province:
- 214 cases in the Calgary zone
- 86 cases in the Edmonton zone
- 20 cases in the North zone
- 28 cases in the Central zone
- Eight cases in the South zone
- Two cases where the zone is still under investigation
- Of these cases, 19 have been hospitalized, seven have been admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and two patients have died.
- Up to 28 of these cases may be due to community transmission.
- A COVID-19 outbreak was confirmed last night at the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre in Calgary.
- This has resulted in one death of a resident – the second COVID-19 related death in the province. The individual was a female in her 80s. She developed symptoms on March 22 and died March 23.
- One staff member and two other residents have tested positive.
- There are 11 other symptomatic residents with tests pending.
- The source of the infection is not yet known.
- The number of confirmed recovered cases remains at three. A longer-term process for determining timely reporting of recovered cases is underway.
- Aggregate data, showing cases by age range and zone, as well as by local geographical areas, is available online at ca/covid19statistics.
- All Albertans who have travelled outside of the country, including snowbirds returning home from wintering in the United States and other countries, must go straight home upon returning to Alberta and self-isolate for 14 days.
- This means not going to the grocery store, not stopping at the kennel to pick up their dog, not dropping their RV off for service or storage, and not having family and friends over to visit or going to visit them while isolated. It means going directly and immediately home, self-isolating for 14 days and monitoring for symptoms.
- If symptoms do develop, individuals must self-isolate from all other members of their household for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until they are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
- People not experiencing symptoms are reminded they can still go outside, but this must be limited to activities such as walks, where the individual remains two metres away from others.
- A bonspiel event was held in Edmonton March 11 to 14, during which some physicians were exposed to COVID-19.
- All attendees have been contacted and are self-isolating.
- Twelve of the 47 Alberta health-care workers who attended the event have tested positive for COVID-19.
- All of their close contacts from the time they had symptoms, including some patients, are being notified as usual through local public health followup.
- Three of the infected individuals are physicians working in Red Deer.
- From these three cases, although they each worked less than a day while symptomatic, a total of 58 patients and 97 other health-care workers have been or will be contacted as potential close contacts of these three.
- All Albertans need to work together to help prevent the spread and overcome COVID-19.
Community and social services
Funding criteria and forms for the emergency funding to charities, non-profits and civil society organizations are now posted online.
The Emergency Financial Assistance web page now includes information on the federal and provincial supports/programs and a link to the COVID-19 page for more information.
Community and Social Services has suspended in-person service delivery in its program offices and Alberta Supports Centres. Albertans should contact 1-877-644-9992 for more information.
Access to justice
Albertans are asked to not enter courthouses unless they have official business and to first check online for current processes.
Provincial Court of Alberta
Many youth criminal, criminal and family matters are postponed, and the number of operational courthouses and courtrooms is reduced. More information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/pc/resources/covid
Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal will hear matters by video or teleconference. Changes have been made to filing procedures, timelines and bail check-ins. More information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/ca/publications/announcements/notice-to-public-and-profession—covid-19
Court of Queen’s Bench
The Court of Queen’s Bench will now allow lawyers to e-file documents. More information: https://www.albertacourts.ca/qb/resources/announcements/email-filing-of-court-documents
Information about charitable gaming proceeds
Charitable groups can access information about how charitable gaming proceeds may be used during the pandemic. Contact aglc.ca for more information.
Ongoing compliance checks for bars and nightclubs
AGLC inspectors have visited 953 licensed bars and nightclubs throughout the province since March 17 and are taking enforcement action, including suspending licences, on any licensees that violate current orders to close.
Seniors facilities limiting visitation
Seniors facilities are receiving social isolation and distancing information, and stronger restrictions are being put in place for visitors to long-term and seniors care facilities. Essential visitors will be restricted to a single individual who can be family, a friend, or a paid companion who provides care and companionship necessary for the well-being of the resident (physical and mental health) and/or a single designated visitor for a person who is dying, as long as only one visitor enters the facility at a time. Every visitor will undergo a health screening.
Offers of help
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency Unsolicited Offers Program has been set up in response to growing offers of generosity from individuals and organizations to help with the challenges many Albertans are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those wanting to help can go to alberta.ca/COVID19offersprogram for more information.
Quick facts
- The most important measures that Albertans can take to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, is to practise good hygiene.
- This includes cleaning your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately, and staying home and away from others if you are sick.
- Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online COVID-19 self-assessment.
- For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
Alberta
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
Alberta’s government has introduced new standards to ensure school library materials are age-appropriate.
School libraries should be safe and supportive places where students can learn and explore without being exposed to inappropriate sexual content. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.
In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.
“Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”
The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.
Standards for school library materials
Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.
“Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”
School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.
School board policies and procedures
All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.
These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.
“A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”
“Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”
Quick facts
- The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
- The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
- From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.
Related information
- Ministerial Order
- School library standards engagement
- Reference Materials: Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Regional health councils give Albertans a voice
Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.
The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”
“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”
“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”
Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.
Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.
Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.
“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”
“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”
“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”
“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.
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